The United States has commended Nigeria’s response to recent attacks in Plateau State and called on the federal government to sustain security efforts in affected communities.
Gatekeepers News reports that US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs made the remarks in a post on X on Tuesday, amid renewed violence in parts of Plateau, particularly Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
“The United States commends Nigeria’s strong response to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups,” the bureau said.
It added: “We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to protect Christians in the Middle Belt.”
The US government also urged Nigeria to maintain its security response, saying: “We urge Nigeria to continue the momentum and defend the Barkin Ladi communities in particular.”
The statement comes after a series of attacks in Barkin Ladi and other parts of Plateau State in recent weeks. On September 27, six people were reportedly killed and two others injured when gunmen attacked a mining site in Lajam Marit village, Ropp district, Barkin Ladi.
Earlier, the Plateau State Government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas following attacks, attempted attacks and reprisal violence.
The latest security concerns followed reports of attacks on different communities and groups in Barkin Ladi. On September 20, at least five Fulani men were reportedly killed when their vehicle came under attack near a security checkpoint while they were travelling towards a market in Jos South.
The violence has prompted increased security deployments in affected areas as authorities seek to prevent further attacks and reprisals.
The US statement comes amid broader security concerns across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where communities have experienced armed attacks, kidnapping, communal violence and farmer-herder conflicts.
